Leisure

Local charities set to benefit from classic car and bike show

17th July 2017

Local charities are once again set to benefit when hundreds of classic cars and bikes turn up at the picturesque Ashover Show Ground this Sunday for an all-day rally, which is expected to raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

The Ashover Classic Car & Bike Show will be attended by enthusiasts from all over the region and is expected to include classic cars, bikes and scooters from all eras.

Organised jointly for the seventh year running by the Rotary Clubs of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Scarsdale, Clay Cross and Matlock this annual charity event has now raised a total of over £70,000 for local charities.

There will be attractions for all the family, with a variety of refreshment stands and licensed bars. There is also musical entertainment and displays in the main event arena, kids rides, and a large side show with Autojumble and an Arts and Craft Fair.

This year, specialists from event partner H&H Classics, Europe’s largest specialist classic vehicle auction house will be in attendance at the show. The H&H team, in association with the UK’s specialist insurance and valuation expert for classic cars, Hagerty International, will be able to discuss just about everything to do with the cars from condition, history and a general idea of what it might be worth. If required they can also put owners in touch with Hagerty International for a formal valuation.

Stuart Bradley from the organising committee, said:-

“This annual event has proved very popular with classic car and bike enthusiasts because of its ideal location in the Derbyshire countryside in the lovely village of Ashover

The main sponsor of this charity event is Stoneacre, one of the most successful and fastest growing motor groups in the UK. Other sponsors include:- JCT600 (Mecedes Benz Chesterfield), The Van Yard, PCS Motor Factors, BRM Solicitors, Sally Botham Estates, Saxton Mee, Bothams Mitchell Slaney and Stuart Bradley Jewellers.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Last Display at Chatsworth Country Fair for White Helmets!

13th July 2017

Death-defying and jaw-dropping feats of skill and courage performed on horses at full gallop by legendary Cossack Warriors will be seen for the first time at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair.

The three-day celebration of the countryside set in the beautiful Chatsworth parkland is offering an array of family entertainment, from the whirlwind that is Dzhigitovka! – The Way of the Cossack Warrior, to what is set to be one of the very last displays by the army’s world famous motorcycle display team The White Helmets.

Today, the equestrian art of dzhigitovka, which sees the rider leaping from his horse at full gallop or sliding under its belly, is practised as a sport by the distant descendants of the Cossack Warriors. But, three centuries, ago it was a military technique that allowed the riders to dodge bullets and arrows and attack the enemy where least expected. The Cossacks will be a highlight of the Grand Ring programme, which runs from 10.45am to approximately 6.30pm each day.

Founded in 1927, The British Army’s White Helmets, made up of volunteers from the Royal Signals, owe their heritage to the daring dispatch riders of the First World War.

Now, after 90 years, the display team is being disbanded to make way for a more modern presentation of the Royal Signals in a digital age. With Chatsworth set to be one of the very last chances to see these highly skilled riders perform their crowd-pleasing routine of tricks, it should be an occasion to remember.

Sarah Green, Event Organiser, said:-

“We’re delighted to have secured one of the best line-ups I can remember and I can’t wait to see the displays from the new acts as well as old friends. As our regular visitors will know, away from the thrills and spills of the Grand Ring, there is a wealth of things to see, do and try – and eat! We look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a memorable three days.”

The iconic Second World War planes of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast will return to the skies of Derbyshire while Jump4Heroes, the British Legion’s Extreme Human Flight Team, will be dropping into the arena trailing smoke and flying flags.

Visitors will also get to see the majestic sight of one of the country’s largest hot air balloon lifts setting off each day.

Animals are naturally take a starring role this year, whether it’s the adorable ponies taking part in the high-speed Mounted Games, the terrier race and hounds parade, CJ with her birds of prey or the popular Dog and Duck Show.

There is plenty on offer for children too, whether it’s joining the Band of The Royal Logistics Corps for the traditional Children’s March Past; taking part in ‘Scufts’, the family fun dog show or all manner of active fun from zorbing and climbing to bouncing and balancing. Some fantastic activities on offer are listed below:

• Pony Rides

• Wow Water – Zorb balls

• Highline Adventure – Climbing Wall and Spider Mountain

There’s numerous activities for visitors of all ages to try, from laser and clay pigeon shooting and archery to fly fishing tuition. See listed below some of our top picks:

• Archery

• Family Fun Dog Show

• Gundog Scurry

Always a crowd favourite is the chance to experience first-hand some of the nation’s favourite chefs whipping up delicious culinary delights. This year, there is a mouthwatering line-up of talent led by Paul Hollywood on Friday, Mary Berry CBE on Saturday and John Torode and Lisa Faulkner on Sunday along with some fantastic local chefs showcasing their talents all set in the foodie haven of the Fine Food Village.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Second ‘Ernie Moss Day’ to be held

11th July 2017

A second ‘Ernie Moss Day’ is being held next month, when Chesterfield play Port Vale, to pay tribute to the legendary former player.

Ernie, who is suffering from a form of dementia called ‘Pick’s Disease’, will be honoured when two of his old clubs meet at the Proact on Saturday, August 19.

The first Ernie Moss Day was staged when Chesterfield faced Port Vale two years ago, helping to raise awareness of dementia as well as honour the highly popular one-time forward.

With Ernie’s health sadly deteriorating, Spireites director & company secretary Ashley Carson felt that a second tribute should take place. He said:-

“Ernie is recognised as one of the club’s all-time greats and we will do all that we can to support him and his family.

“He is one of our own and I hope that fans will give generously on the day to support Ernie and help others affected by the awful effects of dementia.”

There will be bucket collections at the match, with the proceeds going to dementia charities. Ernie will go on the pitch and be introduced to the crowd and the special ‘Ernie 8’ ale, brewed by Brampton Brewery, will be on sale at the stadium.

There will be a section in the programme dedicated to Ernie’s career – with part of the purchase price donated to charity – and there are plans to produce a limited-edition t-shirt featuring an image of Ernie, with all the proceeds adding to the fundraising total.

The Moss family will provide flag bearers to greet the players as they run out and supporters will also be asked to applaud after eight minutes have gone in the match in recognition of Ernie’s old shirt number.

The Moss family said:-

”As a family we are delighted and honoured to have been asked by the club to participate in another Ernie Moss Day. Last time it was a huge success, raising a lot of money for amazing charities and giving us and the fans a wonderful day to remember.

“We hope to raise even more this year, with proceeds being split between the Alzheimer’s Society and Team Ernie. We would like to say a massive thank you to the club and to the fans for the ongoing support we receive, which is very much appreciated. Thanks also to the Port Vale fans for the support they have shown.

“Dad still loves attending matches and we’ll keep taking him to the Proact for as long as we can. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 19 to show our love and respect for Dad.”

Now 67, Ernie is Chesterfield’s record goalscorer, scoring a total of 191 goals over three spells with the club. He also netted 23 times for Port Vale in 74 appearances, with his career tally an impressive 245 goals in 749 league appearances.

After his playing career came to an end, he managed various non-league clubs including Gainsborough Trinity, Leek Town and Matlock Town.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Peak FM to offer great deals for family days out this Summer

11th July 2017

This summer, Peak FM are offering a selection of great deals for family days out at popular attractions within easy reach.

If you are looking to save money on ‘Family Days Out’ – don’t miss out on the Peak FM ‘Days Out’ vouchers which include up to half price discounts at Knowsley Safari, Crich Tramway village, Twinlakes all action theme park and Gloworm festival.

A full list of deals and offers can be found here.

Alongside the ‘Family Days Out’ vouchers, Cat & Ricky’s Ice Cream Tour comes to town as part of Peak FM’s Summer Campaign. Fredericks of Chesterfield and breakfast hosts, Cat and Ricky, will be out and about across July selling ice cream in aid of the Sick Children’s Trust

The Sick Children’s Trust runs free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation for families with seriously ill children in hospital. Two of the houses are at Sheffield Children’s Hospital – Treetop and Magnolia Houses. To find out more or to make a donation click here.

If you’d like Cat and Ricky from the Peak FM Breakfast Show to turn up in a Fredericks traditional ice cream van at your workplace, school or organisation click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event raisies £202,500 for families needing Ashgate Hospicecare

3rd July 2017

Thousands of walkers geared up on Saturday 1st July to take part in the Markovitz Showroom Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospicecare. The event, which is now recognised as Chesterfield’s largest, saw over 2,563 people walk 10km around Chesterfield and raise an unbelievable £202,500 for the local charity.

Organisers from Ashgate Hospicecare, alongside hundreds of volunteers, rallied together to ensure the annual walking event, which has become a significant fixture in the local calendar, ran smoothly and exceeded the thrill and sparkle it did the year before.

Maggie Harrison, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, said:-

“I have never done the night walk before but I will now make it an annual event. (Excuse the pun but) it was a very moving experience. Beautiful!”

Eileen Lowe, from Matlock in Derbyshire, said:-

“What an amazing night. Walking down the bypass was surreal, the atmosphere was electric. Thanks to all the volunteers & public who cheered us on. Such a worthwhile cause!”

A number of local entertainment companies and local businesses all added to the event with an array of performances and giveaways, making the whole event a night to remember and one to go down in the history books.

Ruby Pearce, from Britain’s Got Talent’s Perfect Pitch, shared some amazing words for her aunty, Julie Colton, who was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare. She said:-

“Thank you so much for caring for my aunty. I am really proud of absolutely everybody out there. Thank you and good luck!”

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“The event was absolutely amazing. To see everyone so excited and having such a great time whilst raising £202,500 for patients and their families in North Derbyshire made everything worthwhile.”

Nicki Dee, from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, said:-

“An amazing night for an amazing cause. It was a very emotional night with lots of laughs along the way.”

The money raised from the Sparkle Night Walk will go towards providing vital care across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. The Hospice provides its services free of charge to patients with any life limiting illness, and extended support to patients’ families.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Yorkshire Vikings derby at Chesterfield a sell out

3rd July 2017

Derbyshire Falcons’ opening home NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday 8 July at Chesterfield is now a complete sell out.

The Club has received huge demand for the popular local derby at Queen’s Park, part of the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, with over 4,000 supporters purchasing their matchday tickets in advance.

It’s the second time in three years the fixture at Chesterfield has sold out in advance.

Only matchday ticket holders, Members who have claimed in advance and Six Pack Ticket holders, will be able to gain entry into the ground. Tickets will not be available to buy on the day.

Simon Storey, Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, said:-

“The local derby is always the highlight of our week in Chesterfield and we’re delighted with the response we have received. The demand for tickets continues to grow year on year.

“Queen’s Park is a beautiful venue and whilst some fans will be disappointed they have not be able to get a ticket, the safety and comfort of spectators is our top priority.

“To ensure all visitors enjoy a great day with us, additional chairs have been ordered, a higher number of safety stewards will be on duty and additional bars and toilets are already in place.

“It promises to be a great occasion to close this year’s Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket and I know the team will enjoy playing in front of a packed house.”

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“It is great news that the Yorkshire game is a sell-out. It shows the interest in Chesterfield and surrounding areas for having top class cricket in the town.

“We look forward to welcoming supporters of both sides to the game, with the benefits that will bring to local businesses and the local economy.”

Supporters with matchday tickets are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and give plenty of time to arrive at the ground. Gates will open earlier than advertised at 12noon. Please do not arrive at the ground if you do not have a matchday ticket.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Pride to return for a third year

3rd July 2017

Chesterfield Pride is returning to Queens Park for a third year on the 23rd July. The event has grown in the last two years and has now become a firm favourite on the Pride calendar.

This year the event is set to be even more popular with a bigger site meaning more stalls, more fairground rides, a bigger stage and a number of celebrity acts performing.

The event will be hosted by Candy Du Kane, Ella Va-Night and Celebrity Big brother star Austin Armacost and has an impressive line up of performers including pop legends The Cheeky Girls, 80’s HiNRG icon Hazell Dean, X Factor’s Blonde Electra and many more.

Dan Walker, Event organiser, says:-

“We are really proud how far the event has come and how the local area has embraced the event”

At the event there will be food outlets, a licensed bar, children’s area and market stalls. There is also an official after party (free admission) with 90’s vocalist Angie Brown performing.

For more information about the event click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Summer Reading Challenge will see Chesterfield children turn detective

30th June 2017

Children are being encouraged to turn detective and sign up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The Animal Agents Summer Reading Challenge 2017 is being run by Derbyshire County Council libraries in conjunction with The Reading Agency and officially launches at Chesterfield Library on Saturday 15 July 2017.

The Animal Agents theme will give children the chance to become detectives and join a host of clever creatures to solve all kinds of mysteries and puzzles over the school summer holidays.

Children who sign up to the challenge will be encouraged to read up to six books over the summer break which will help to maintain their literacy skills, with the Animal Agents theme specifically designed to be fun and exciting.

Each year the Summer Reading Challenge helps to get around 750,000 children into libraries nationally at a time when their reading skills can drop off.

In Derbyshire more than 9,300 children signed up last year, borrowing more than 227,000 children’s library items, with more than 3,200 children taking part in Summer Reading Challenge activities held in our 45 libraries.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, said:-

“Every year thousands of Derbyshire youngsters sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge and it’s a great way to ensure they keep up their reading skills while having fun over the long summer break and use our libraries.

“We know that reading for pleasure improves children’s development and helps with educational attainment, so motivating children to read independently and more frequently has fantastic benefits.”

The challenge runs from 15 July to 9 September 2017 and children can sign up to become an agent at any Derbyshire County Council libraries.

Children taking part in the challenge collect stickers, designed by illustrator of the Horrid Henry books Tony Ross, as they go.

When they have read six books of their choice they get a medal and certificate to mark their achievement.

The official launch event starts at 10am on Saturday 15 July 2017 at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, and a number of activities will be held between 10am and noon and 1pm to 3pm, aimed at children of all ages and their families. All are welcome to the free event.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Stone commemorating the Battle of Chesterfield to be unveiled

29th June 2017

Permission for the installation of a stone commemorating the Battle of Chesterfield in the churchyard of the Crooked Spire has now been obtained.

The Stone, paid for by a contribution from the Derbyshire County Council Leadership Fund and organised by ex Chesterfield Borough Council Councillor Keith Morgan, will be unveiled on Saturday 8^th July.

The official unveiling will include a performance from Baldwin’s Wake (a medieval style band), speeches from local Councillors and the Chair of Chesterfield 750, a local community group that have commissioned the stone.

Last year community group Chesterfield 750, together with Swords of Mercia and Chesterfield Borough Council, teamed together to create an event in New Square on the anniversary of the Battle of Chesterfield. Alongside dancing, reenactments and trial by combat, the highlight of the event was a re-enactment of Robert de Ferrers being brought out of the ‘Crooked Spire’ and paraded through town on a medieval style cart that visitors built.

The unveiling of the commemorative stone will be the final official act of the Chesterfield 750 group, who have been involved in a number of celebratory events over the last year. However, members of the group are still available to provide educational talks on the Battle when required.

The commemorative stone and Battle of Chesterfield event would not have been possible without the support of local business including Chesterfield Borough Council, Yorkshire Bank, Brampton Brewery, Banner Jones, S40 local, The Cheese Factor, East Midlands Chamber, Progression Accountancy and Ibbotson’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield looking forward to a successful Festival

28th June 2017

After a two successful ICC Women’s World Cup warm–up matches, the town is preparing to welcome the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The picturesque ground held two international fixtures, England versus Sri Lanka and India versus Sri Lanka, in the lead up to the global cricket tournament.

The games took place ahead of the week-long festival, which will feature a four-day Specsavers County Championship match versus Durham and a NatWest T20 Blast fixture against Yorkshire Vikings.

Chesterfield Borough Council has confirmed that it has completed a comprehensive programme of work over the winter to improve drainage at Queen’s Park.

Chesterfield Borough Council, which owns the picturesque ground, carried out a full review of drainage using CCTV cameras and found some roots from nearby mature trees had caused a blockage and partial collapse of the drainage system.

A comprehensive programme of work has been carried out to minimise future drainage problems. This includes;

Installing new drainage at the boundary near South Lodge, down the field in the direction of the bandstand and near the cricket pavilion
Replacing old pipework in gullies with new plastic pipes
Using water jets to ensure all pipework is clear of blockages
Re-turfing areas of the ground impacted by the work
Putting in place a revised maintenance regime and phased replacement of drainage to prevent problems returning in the future

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“By using CCTV cameras we were able to identify there had been a partial collapse of the drainage so we decided to carry out a comprehensive improvement programme.

“While no cricket ground in the country can ever claim it won’t suffer from any drainage issues after high volumes of rain, we believe that the work carried out will prevent a repeat of the issues that were experienced last year where the drainage problems continued for some time after the rain had stopped.

“We look forward to welcoming both Durham and Yorkshire to the ground as they take on Derbyshire during the course of the popular cricket festival. We are proud to support the festival which promises to be a great week’s cricket and will bring lots of visitors to the town benefitting local businesses.”

Simon Storey, Chief Executive at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, added:-

“We have worked closely with Chesterfield Borough Council following last year’s event and a full programme of drainage improvements have taken place which will significantly reduce the risk of any future drainage issues.

“Chesterfield is a special venue for cricket and we’re delighted with the response we have received for this year’s festival. The popular NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings is set to be another sell out, while the traditional first-class fixture, this year versus Durham, is always well attended.

“Queen’s Park is one of the most picturesque venues in the game and we’re committed to returning for years to come.”

The festival, which runs from Monday 3 July to Saturday 8 July, features a four-day Specsavers County Championship match between Derbyshire and Durham.

It concludes with the traditional local NatWest T20 Blast derby versus Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday 8 July, which is on course to be a sell-out with only 500 tickets still available.

Tickets for the matches are available from Chesterfield’s Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square or online at derbyshireccc.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Local Hospice becomes main charity partner for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

26th June 2017

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that they have been named as this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon main charity partner.

The event, which will take place this year on Sunday 22nd October, will be supported by Ashgate Hospicecare who will refund runners their entry fee if over £100 sponsorship is raised for the Hospice.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:-

“I am delighted to be the first person to sign up for this amazing event. Ashgate Hospicecare is a very important and vital charity for the people of Chesterfield. The half marathon is another fantastic event to add to the Chesterfield calendar.”

Esther Preston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Ashgate Hospicecare, who will also be taking part in the event, said:-

“I am so pleased to be chosen for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield half marathon.”

“At this moment in time, there are 16 families a week in North Derbyshire who need hospice care but can’t access it. Ashgate Hospicecare needs to recruit more nurses and events like this will make it easier for us to reach everyone who needs us.”

“We know the tremendous difference hospice care makes to families like Benji’s and hope people across North Derbyshire will get involved with this event to ensure no one has to go without the support they need.”

John Bennett was diagnosed with skin and lung cancer in 2006 and was later referred to Ashgate Hospicecare. John, affectionately known by his family and friends as Benji, received care in his own home before being admitted to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit where he later died. He was 51. His son, Matt Bennett, shares his experience of the time he spent at Ashgate.

Matt says:-

“My dad stayed on the hospice’s ward for a week before he died. That week’s stay was, for us as a family, a relief. He died with dignity which we can’t thank Ashgate Hospicecare enough for. But it wasn’t just the way they treated him, it was the way they treated his friends and family too – especially my mum. Without them, we didn’t have the knowledge we needed to support him.”

There has already been interest from numerous runners across Chesterfield so make sure to sign up as soon as possible. Ashgate Hospicecare will support all runners with their fundraising as well as provide running vests.

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik, said:-

“Being involved in Chesterfield is something which is extremely important to us. We started our business four years ago and the town has been receptive to us so we really wanted to put something back into the community. Especially supporting local charities like Ashgate Hospicecare, which is such a phenomenal charity that helps so many people.

“We encourage all local businesses in the area to get behind this event, run for Ashgate Hospicecare and raise as much money as they can for this wonderful charity.”

Race director John Timms from MLS Contracts added:-

“We are really pleased to be working with Ashgate Hospice as our main charity partner for the next five years. The Hospice provides such an important service for the families in the region and the team and staff at Ashgate have already proven to be very valuable partners to the half marathon. We look forward to helping the Ashgate raise more money for its much needed services.”

If you would like to sign up for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield half marathon, register here for just £18 and make a huge difference to patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Ashgate Hopsice also need over 200 marshals cheering on the runners as they take on the route. Is this something you could help with? If so, please contact their events team at events@ashgatehospicescare.org.uk or call us on 01246 233404.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting